Comedian Angelo Bowers killed by drunk driver

UPDATE: 1/4/11, 8:30 pm ET
The Los Angeles Police Department released a statement explaining that a 21-year-old drunk driver crashed his 2010 Toyota Matrix into the car comedians Angelo Bowers and Josh Adam Meyers were in — a 1995 Jeep Wrangler — at about 12:40 a.m. Tuesday. All three were taken to hospitals. The driver of the Toyota is expected to be charged with murder once his condition improves. You can read the entire statement at the end of this post.

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UPDATE: 1/4/11, 1:15 pm ET

A Twitter account has been set up dedicated to Angelo Bowers’ jokes. A steady stream of one liners — as remembered by his friends and fellow comedians — have been piling up. Check it out at @AngelosJokes.

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Earlier tonight, a handful of Los Angeles-based comedians began Tweeting their tributes and condolences for their friend and fellow comic Angelo Bowers. The previous evening, Bowers was killed by a drunk driver. His friend, comedian Josh Adam Meyers (pictured above, with Angelo on the right) was also in the car and, according to sources, is in critical condition suffering from multiple broken bones, but is expected to live. One source says both men were ejected from the car.

At about 9:15 pm ET, comedian Shawn Pelofsky tweeted: “For comic friends and family: I am at Cedars visiting Josh Adam Myers. He has broken bones and is very coherent.”

And though details are vague at this time, what isn’t vague is the outpouring of support and emotion from the hearts of those in the Los Angeles comedy community. Unlike most every performer today, Bowers didn’t have a Facebook profile or a Twitter account. And it seems the only video of him doing stand-up was a less-than-one-minute clip posted on YouTube simply because the comedy goer who shot it, was trying to figure out what his name was– because he liked his set so much (see below).

LA-based comedian and actress Lauren Ashley Bishop tweeted this:

Comedian Brian Whitaker had this to say and then proceeded to quote some of Bowers’ best jokes as a tribute:

Meyers was scheduled to perform at an independently-produced comedy show tomorrow night at DREAMS Lounge at the Dunes Inn at 5625 W Sunset Blvd in Hollywood at 10 pm. The producers of the show, Jennifer Dyal and Tess Barker will now be collecting donations from audience members in order to help defray the cost of Meyers’ medical bills. You can get more info on the show here. Comedian Scott Boxembaul has also set up a PayPal page where you can donate.

One industry insider says that Sarah Silverman had recently seen Bowers crush at a comedy show and the pair had swapped phone numbers in order to keep in touch. Bowers started his comedy career in San Francisco and then moved south to Los Angeles. The insider says Bowers was a cancer survivor. Comedian Eli Olsberg wrote on his Tumblr that Bowers was headed back home to finish up an unspecified medical treatment. Bowers was scheduled to perform at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood tomorrow on the 10 pm show.

Olsberg also explained that “Josh and Angelo were driving and they were struck by a drunk driver. Josh is in the hospital and Angelo is no longer with us.”

He continued: “To anyone out there, comics and friends, please don’t drink and drive! We hear about this in PSAs and always make jokes about how last night we shouldn’t have driven home cause we had that extra shot, a few too many beers, and laugh it off because we’re sitting around joking about it the next day. I don’t know if there was anything Josh and Angelo could’ve done to avoid the asshole that did this, but none of us have to be the person in the other car. The only thing worse than being killed by a drunk driver is taking a life because you are the drunk driver.”

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The LAPD’s statement, in full:

An intoxicated driver caused two collisions just minutes apart in the early morning hours of Tuesday. The second collision proved fatal for one of the vehicles passengers.

On January 3, 2012, at approximately 12:40 a.m., a 21-year-old man driving under the influence of alcohol was involved in a hit and run crash when his 2010 Toyota Matrix hit a 2005 Ford Crown Victoria Taxicab near the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Argyle Avenue. About five minutes later the driver hit a second car, a 1995 Jeep Wrangler that was northbound on Vine Street at Yucca Street.

It was a violent collision that caused serious injury to both drivers of the vehicles, as well as a passenger in the Jeep. All three were transported to a local hospital for treatment of their injuries.

The passenger, 26-year-old Angelo Bowers of Modesto, CA , died of his injuries several hours later.

The driver of the Toyota is expected to be booked for murder once his medical condition improves.

About the Author

Dylan P. Gadino

Dylan is the founder and editor in chief of Laughspin. He launched Punchline Magazine in 2005 (which became Laughspin in the summer of 2011) with childhood friend Bill Bergmann. Dylan lives in northern New Jersey with his wife and two sons. He hopes the Shire is real.

Angelo you are an amazing person and thank you for sharing your talent with the world. You will be missed greatly and you will live in the hearts of everyone you touched. Chris and I will celebrate your life!

Rachel

Angelo you are an amazing person and thank you for sharing your talent with the world. You will be missed greatly and you will live in the hearts of everyone you touched. Chris and I will celebrate your life!

Rachel

Angelo you are an amazing person and thank you for sharing your talent with the world. You will be missed greatly and you will live in the hearts of everyone you touched. Chris and I will celebrate your life!

Rachel

Angelo you are an amazing person and thank you for sharing your talent with the world. You will be missed greatly and you will live in the hearts of everyone you touched. Chris and I will celebrate your life!

Rachel

Angelo you are an amazing person and thank you for sharing your talent with the world. You will be missed greatly and you will live in the hearts of everyone you touched. Chris and I will celebrate your life!

Carolyn

I — hate drunk (and distracted) drivers. My condolences to Angelo’s family, friends and the friends in the comedy community who recognized his talent and charisma. I met him only in passing as part of the LA comedy community, but glad to have had that opportunity. I’m sorry someone’s illegal and thoughtless actions killed a rising star. (Angelo was funny.) and hurt Josh so badly, too. My thoughts to Josh on the loss of his friend, his own healing and recovery both bodily and otherwise. I’m sorry you are in pain, Josh. I’m also happy you are still here. Get well, soon!

http://twitter.com/MoreenLittrell Moreen Littrell

Anyone have any further info on what exactly happened and where and when, and who was driving? Nothing online…

I’m so sorry for this loss…when a comic dies its another broken link in free thinking…so sad and so much want to bring him back..I have NEVER heard nor seen Mr. Bowers but I know How important this loss has been…I hope I can make people laugh tomorrow night in memory or Angelo. Thoughts and well wishes to his family…and to think he survived Cancer to just be killed by a drunk dipshit…So Sorry!

If LA is where is his living, perhaps everyone during the day can drive with their full head lights on in his honor like they did for John Lennon.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1388516524 Fran Fougere

If LA is where is his living, perhaps everyone during the day can drive with their full head lights on in his honor like they did for John Lennon.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1388516524 Fran Fougere

If LA is where is his living, perhaps everyone during the day can drive with their full head lights on in his honor like they did for John Lennon.

Kathy

I don’t know what to say except that my heart hurts for Angelo, Josh and the industry that now has to go on with out what they have said is a great comedian … you know what?… Maybe the Creator needed a comedian to make him laugh … you never know. My deepest sympathies to all of you.

Kathy

I don’t know what to say except that my heart hurts for Angelo, Josh and the industry that now has to go on with out what they have said is a great comedian … you know what?… Maybe the Creator needed a comedian to make him laugh … you never know. My deepest sympathies to all of you.

Anonymous

I knew Angelo since Kindergarten. I was in disbelief to find out that he had been killed by a drunk driver. He was truly gifted and had a positive impact on everyone he met. He will truly be missed. My prayers go out to his family and the family of Josh Meyers.

Anonymous

I knew Angelo since Kindergarten. I was in disbelief to find out that he had been killed by a drunk driver. He was truly gifted and had a positive impact on everyone he met. He will truly be missed. My prayers go out to his family and the family of Josh Meyers.

ben

That’s a bummer. I honestly didn’t know of him so I’m not going to pretend I do but it sounded like he had a bright future. Sarah has been known to help out new comedians… Surviving cancer and then dying in an accident. Life is unpredictable.

ben

That’s a bummer. I honestly didn’t know of him so I’m not going to pretend I do but it sounded like he had a bright future. Sarah has been known to help out new comedians… Surviving cancer and then dying in an accident. Life is unpredictable.

ben

That’s a bummer. I honestly didn’t know of him so I’m not going to pretend I do but it sounded like he had a bright future. Sarah has been known to help out new comedians… Surviving cancer and then dying in an accident. Life is unpredictable.

A few years ago I saw an amateur comedian in North Hollywood, he had the funniest, most interesting act I had ever seen. I left the club without knowing his name but I had recorded 43 seconds of his act. I posted the video on youtube and soon found out that his name was Angelo Bowers, a rising amateur comedian in LA. Sadly, through comments posted on my video, Angelo was killed by a drunk driver. Comedian Josh Adam Meyer was also in the car and is in critical condition. According to laughspin.com and other sources, Angelo did not have a facebook page or a twitter account and my short video was one of the only video clips of him.
“Bowers didn’t have a Facebook profile or a Twitter account. And it seems the only video of him doing stand-up was a less-than-one-minute clip posted on YouTube simply because the comedy goer who shot it, was trying to figure out what his name was– because he liked his set so much”-Dylan P. Gadino laughspin.com. I have to say, I have never been affected by a 5 minute comedy set like I have been by his, it has stayed in my mind for almost 3 years. I loved it, his act inspired me in so many ways. R.I.P. Angelo, your comedy changed me forever.-Benjamin W. Carrico National Comedy Radio. youtube.com/bseated1

Bseated1

A few years ago I saw an amateur comedian in North Hollywood, he had the funniest, most interesting act I had ever seen. I left the club without knowing his name but I had recorded 43 seconds of his act. I posted the video on youtube and soon found out that his name was Angelo Bowers, a rising amateur comedian in LA. Sadly, through comments posted on my video, Angelo was killed by a drunk driver. Comedian Josh Adam Meyer was also in the car and is in critical condition. According to laughspin.com and other sources, Angelo did not have a facebook page or a twitter account and my short video was one of the only video clips of him.
“Bowers didn’t have a Facebook profile or a Twitter account. And it seems the only video of him doing stand-up was a less-than-one-minute clip posted on YouTube simply because the comedy goer who shot it, was trying to figure out what his name was– because he liked his set so much”-Dylan P. Gadino laughspin.com. I have to say, I have never been affected by a 5 minute comedy set like I have been by his, it has stayed in my mind for almost 3 years. I loved it, his act inspired me in so many ways. R.I.P. Angelo, your comedy changed me forever.-Benjamin W. Carrico National Comedy Radio. youtube.com/bseated1

Bseated1

A few years ago I saw an amateur comedian in North Hollywood, he had the funniest, most interesting act I had ever seen. I left the club without knowing his name but I had recorded 43 seconds of his act. I posted the video on youtube and soon found out that his name was Angelo Bowers, a rising amateur comedian in LA. Sadly, through comments posted on my video, Angelo was killed by a drunk driver. Comedian Josh Adam Meyer was also in the car and is in critical condition. According to laughspin.com and other sources, Angelo did not have a facebook page or a twitter account and my short video was one of the only video clips of him.
“Bowers didn’t have a Facebook profile or a Twitter account. And it seems the only video of him doing stand-up was a less-than-one-minute clip posted on YouTube simply because the comedy goer who shot it, was trying to figure out what his name was– because he liked his set so much”-Dylan P. Gadino laughspin.com. I have to say, I have never been affected by a 5 minute comedy set like I have been by his, it has stayed in my mind for almost 3 years. I loved it, his act inspired me in so many ways. R.I.P. Angelo, your comedy changed me forever.-Benjamin W. Carrico National Comedy Radio. youtube.com/bseated1

Waytootalented

I am so sorry to hear his saddening news and I pray Josh will restore hos Health and one day soon regain his funny… friend always Tbaum

http://twitter.com/MoreenLittrell Moreen Littrell

So very sorry to hear this. I’ve been hit by a drunk driver too and was really lucky to walk away from it. Drinking and driving, and the new texting while driving are just inviting death not just to you but to every innocent driver out there. Don’t chance it. Wish I had met Angelo…rest in…laughter. And praying for Josh Adam Meyers and a full recovery.

http://twitter.com/MoreenLittrell Moreen Littrell

So very sorry to hear this. I’ve been hit by a drunk driver too and was really lucky to walk away from it. Drinking and driving, and the new texting while driving are just inviting death not just to you but to every innocent driver out there. Don’t chance it. Wish I had met Angelo…rest in…laughter. And praying for Josh Adam Meyers and a full recovery.

http://twitter.com/MoreenLittrell Moreen Littrell

So very sorry to hear this. I’ve been hit by a drunk driver too and was really lucky to walk away from it. Drinking and driving, and the new texting while driving are just inviting death not just to you but to every innocent driver out there. Don’t chance it. Wish I had met Angelo…rest in…laughter. And praying for Josh Adam Meyers and a full recovery.

http://twitter.com/MoreenLittrell Moreen Littrell

So very sorry to hear this. I’ve been hit by a drunk driver too and was really lucky to walk away from it. Drinking and driving, and the new texting while driving are just inviting death not just to you but to every innocent driver out there. Don’t chance it. Wish I had met Angelo…rest in…laughter. And praying for Josh Adam Meyers and a full recovery.

Will also be collecting donations at the spot cafe open mic tomorrow night in culver city. They will be donated through Scott Boxenbaum’s donation page after the mic. Brandielolposey@gmail.com for mic information.

Brandie Posey

Will also be collecting donations at the spot cafe open mic tomorrow night in culver city. They will be donated through Scott Boxenbaum’s donation page after the mic. Brandielolposey@gmail.com for mic information.

Brandie Posey

Will also be collecting donations at the spot cafe open mic tomorrow night in culver city. They will be donated through Scott Boxenbaum’s donation page after the mic. Brandielolposey@gmail.com for mic information.

Brandie Posey

Will also be collecting donations at the spot cafe open mic tomorrow night in culver city. They will be donated through Scott Boxenbaum’s donation page after the mic. Brandielolposey@gmail.com for mic information.

Brandie Posey

Will also be collecting donations at the spot cafe open mic tomorrow night in culver city. They will be donated through Scott Boxenbaum’s donation page after the mic. Brandielolposey@gmail.com for mic information.

Brandie Posey

Will also be collecting donations at the spot cafe open mic tomorrow night in culver city. They will be donated through Scott Boxenbaum’s donation page after the mic. Brandielolposey@gmail.com for mic information.

Brandie Posey

Will also be collecting donations at the spot cafe open mic tomorrow night in culver city. They will be donated through Scott Boxenbaum’s donation page after the mic. Brandielolposey@gmail.com for mic information.

Brandie Posey

Will also be collecting donations at the spot cafe open mic tomorrow night in culver city. They will be donated through Scott Boxenbaum’s donation page after the mic. Brandielolposey@gmail.com for mic information.

Brandie Posey

Will also be collecting donations at the spot cafe open mic tomorrow night in culver city. They will be donated through Scott Boxenbaum’s donation page after the mic. Brandielolposey@gmail.com for mic information.

Brandie Posey

Will also be collecting donations at the spot cafe open mic tomorrow night in culver city. They will be donated through Scott Boxenbaum’s donation page after the mic. Brandielolposey@gmail.com for mic information.

Brandie Posey

Will also be collecting donations at the spot cafe open mic tomorrow night in culver city. They will be donated through Scott Boxenbaum’s donation page after the mic. Brandielolposey@gmail.com for mic information.

Asjjmey

Thank you to all of Joshua’s friends for their love, prayers and support. I will be traveling to LA tomorrow to be with Josh. He is devastated by Angelo’s passing. They were like brothers. Please pray for him.

Sharon Meyers (Josh’s mom)

Asjjmey

Thank you to all of Joshua’s friends for their love, prayers and support. I will be traveling to LA tomorrow to be with Josh. He is devastated by Angelo’s passing. They were like brothers. Please pray for him.

Sharon Meyers (Josh’s mom)

Asjjmey

Thank you to all of Joshua’s friends for their love, prayers and support. I will be traveling to LA tomorrow to be with Josh. He is devastated by Angelo’s passing. They were like brothers. Please pray for him.

Sharon Meyers (Josh’s mom)

Asjjmey

Thank you to all of Joshua’s friends for their love, prayers and support. I will be traveling to LA tomorrow to be with Josh. He is devastated by Angelo’s passing. They were like brothers. Please pray for him.

Sharon Meyers (Josh’s mom)

Asjjmey

Thank you to all of Joshua’s friends for their love, prayers and support. I will be traveling to LA tomorrow to be with Josh. He is devastated by Angelo’s passing. They were like brothers. Please pray for him.

Sharon Meyers (Josh’s mom)

Krislezetc

What devastating news. I wish Josh a speedy recovery. There are just no words. Such a loss for everyone who knew Angelo…

Krislezetc

What devastating news. I wish Josh a speedy recovery. There are just no words. Such a loss for everyone who knew Angelo…

Krislezetc

What devastating news. I wish Josh a speedy recovery. There are just no words. Such a loss for everyone who knew Angelo…

Alex

Sharon-I don’t know if you’ll be back to read this, but Josh literally just moved in with us before Christmas, went home to Baltimore to see you guys, and got home last night-I didn’t even see him, just heard him moving around the house before he went out to meet with Angelo. Email me at acolli645 @yahoo.com and I’ll shoot you my # if there’s anything we can do.
-Alex

Alex

Sharon-I don’t know if you’ll be back to read this, but Josh literally just moved in with us before Christmas, went home to Baltimore to see you guys, and got home last night-I didn’t even see him, just heard him moving around the house before he went out to meet with Angelo. Email me at acolli645 @yahoo.com and I’ll shoot you my # if there’s anything we can do.
-Alex

Alex

Sharon-I don’t know if you’ll be back to read this, but Josh literally just moved in with us before Christmas, went home to Baltimore to see you guys, and got home last night-I didn’t even see him, just heard him moving around the house before he went out to meet with Angelo. Email me at acolli645 @yahoo.com and I’ll shoot you my # if there’s anything we can do.
-Alex

Alex

Sharon-I don’t know if you’ll be back to read this, but Josh literally just moved in with us before Christmas, went home to Baltimore to see you guys, and got home last night-I didn’t even see him, just heard him moving around the house before he went out to meet with Angelo. Email me at acolli645 @yahoo.com and I’ll shoot you my # if there’s anything we can do.
-Alex

Kathy

we all have been praying for Josh since it happened … we will pray for you, also …. you will have to be strong … take care

Kathy

we all have been praying for Josh since it happened … we will pray for you, also …. you will have to be strong … take care

Asjjmey

Thank you to all of Joshua’s friends for their love, prayers and support. I will be traveling to LA tomorrow to be with Josh. He is devastated by Angelo’s passing. They were like brothers. Please pray for him.

Sharon Meyers (Josh’s mom)

Asjjmey

Thank you to all of Joshua’s friends for their love, prayers and support. I will be traveling to LA tomorrow to be with Josh. He is devastated by Angelo’s passing. They were like brothers. Please pray for him.

Sharon Meyers (Josh’s mom)

Asjjmey

Thank you to all of Joshua’s friends for their love, prayers and support. I will be traveling to LA tomorrow to be with Josh. He is devastated by Angelo’s passing. They were like brothers. Please pray for him.

Sharon Meyers (Josh’s mom)

Asjjmey

Thank you to all of Joshua’s friends for their love, prayers and support. I will be traveling to LA tomorrow to be with Josh. He is devastated by Angelo’s passing. They were like brothers. Please pray for him.

Sharon Meyers (Josh’s mom)

Asjjmey

Thank you to all of Joshua’s friends for their love, prayers and support. I will be traveling to LA tomorrow to be with Josh. He is devastated by Angelo’s passing. They were like brothers. Please pray for him.

Sharon Meyers (Josh’s mom)

Asjjmey

Thank you to all of Joshua’s friends for their love, prayers and support. I will be traveling to LA tomorrow to be with Josh. He is devastated by Angelo’s passing. They were like brothers. Please pray for him.

Sharon Meyers (Josh’s mom)

Asjjmey

Thank you to all of Joshua’s friends for their love, prayers and support. I will be traveling to LA tomorrow to be with Josh. He is devastated by Angelo’s passing. They were like brothers. Please pray for him.

Sharon Meyers (Josh’s mom)

Asjjmey

Thank you to all of Joshua’s friends for their love, prayers and support. I will be traveling to LA tomorrow to be with Josh. He is devastated by Angelo’s passing. They were like brothers. Please pray for him.

Sharon Meyers (Josh’s mom)

http://www.facebook.com/people/Barbara-Lewis/626004575 Barbara Lewis

RIP Angelo!

http://www.facebook.com/people/Barbara-Lewis/626004575 Barbara Lewis

RIP Angelo!

http://www.facebook.com/people/Barbara-Lewis/626004575 Barbara Lewis

RIP Angelo!

http://www.facebook.com/people/Barbara-Lewis/626004575 Barbara Lewis

RIP Angelo!

http://www.facebook.com/people/Barbara-Lewis/626004575 Barbara Lewis

RIP Angelo!

http://www.facebook.com/saxcarr Sax Carr

Gathering at Cat and Fiddle Pub at 10 pm to toast to Angelo, and send good vibes to Josh.

No.

Angelo was killed by a drunk asshole. I’d avoid the spirits for a night in honor.

No.

Angelo was killed by a drunk asshole. I’d avoid the spirits for a night in honor.

No.

Angelo was killed by a drunk asshole. I’d avoid the spirits for a night in honor.

No.

Angelo was killed by a drunk asshole. I’d avoid the spirits for a night in honor.

Mindyourbusiness

That’s messed up, man. Don’t tell people how they should process death. Just do things your own way.

No.

“Do things my own way” like get drunk and drive home? Ugh.

No Yourself

No one said anything about being irresponsible drinkers.

If that’s the kind of thing you do when you are drunk, that’s your own issue, not theirs.

http://www.facebook.com/saxcarr Sax Carr

Gathering at Cat and Fiddle Pub at 10 pm to toast to Angelo, and send good vibes to Josh.